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Tue, 22 Sep 2026

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 Trump says he would back ban on diesel exports

Republicans lawmakers have put pressure on the president to curb exports as diesel prices soar to record highs in the US.
US President Donald Trump has proposed halting American diesel exports in an effort to ease record-high prices at US pumps, following pressure from Republican lawmakers ahead of the November mid-term elections. The move could also help reduce petrol prices by keeping domestic supplies within the country. Trump confirmed that his administration is assessing whether a full or partial ban on diesel exports would work without disrupting refinery capabilities. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has echoed this sentiment, stating that officials are evaluating options to prevent supply disruptions. The current crisis in the Middle East has led to a surge in global oil prices, with national average diesel prices reaching $6.50 per gallon in the US on Tuesday. Several Republican lawmakers have urged Trump to restrict diesel exports as a means of alleviating financial strain on voters, particularly in key battleground states like Iowa and Alaska. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has further exacerbated global market volatility, with Kyiv targeting Russian energy facilities and severely impacting global reserves.